Collaboration brings art show to Executive Mansion

Before the Illinois Executive Mansion is shuttered for a 14-month renovation beginning in January, the public has a chance to view a unique exhibit that features Springfield artist Olu-Jimi Adeniyi.

The show, which includes a public reception Monday honoring Adeniyi, is a first-time collaboration between the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum and several state agencies, including the Governor's Office of Public Engagement, the Illinois Executive Mansion Association and the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

It's also an opportunity to bolster the image of the African American museum, which is in its third home since its founding a little over five years ago, said museum board president Doug King.

Fifteen paintings and sculptures comprise the show, including works by Adeniyi, a Nigerian native who now resides in Springfield. Adeniyi handpicked the show's other artwork, which comes from a variety of artists across Africa and will be for sale.

An "artist-in-residence" at the African American museum, Adeniyi uses a palette knife instead of a paintbrush in his paintings. The "impasto" technique, in which generous globs of paint are applied to the canvas, gives off a three-dimensional effect.

Adeniyi's artwork, which includes vibrant colors and reflects African village life among its subjects, is in private and public collections in the U.S. and abroad. Adeniyi formerly operated his own gallery in downtown Springfield and now sells his art at his website, jimiart.com.

Although the Executive Mansion has its own permanent art, this is the first art exhibit of its kind there, said King.

"We wanted to do it there because people are familiar with it and because it's labeled 'the people's house,'" said King. "We also wanted to make people people comfortable visiting there. People think that they're somehow not allowed there. I think Governor Rauner is sincere about letting people know that this is their house and people would be welcome there.

"The exhibit gives (the African American museum) an opportunity to get our foot in the door."

According to King, the Executive Mansion renovation will allow for an area for displays of fine arts, decorative arts and furniture.

Justin Blandford said the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency is always looking for ways to reach wider audiences in Springfield, and the art exhibit was a natural avenue to do that.

"This is a good illustration of the museum community being collaborative," said Blandford, superintendent of Springfield Historic Sites. "You never know when you're going to reach a new partner.

"We're thrilled to continue to work with our friends at the African American museum."

“The Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum is a jewel for our state, and we are proud to partner with it and present this exhibit and upcoming programs," said Diana Rauner, chairwoman of the Illinois Executive Mansion Association, a non-profit board created in 1972 to preserve and oversee restoration of the mansion.

King said some people are still trying to find the museum at its new location on Monument Avenue, in the building that formerly housed the Museum of Funeral Customs near the main entrance to Oak Ridge Cemetery, or are surprised that there is an African American museum in the city.

It's continuing to develop programs, said King, like a new approach to the 1908 Race Riot that looks at the conditions and relationships in the city before and after the riot. King said the museum is also working on a new presentation on the Underground Railroad, which has generated renewed interest based on Colson Whitehead's National Book Award-winning novel on the subject.

King said the museum's relationship with Adeniyi continues to be fruitful.

"His paintings," said King, "are consistent with our mission: how African Americans live life in central Illinois and how our history is part of our culture."

Olu-jimi Adeniyi's 15 works of art are part of the mansion's regular tour hours, which are Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Adeniyi's exhibit is through Nov. 26.

The reception is free and open to the public, but a ticket and registration is required. For more information, go to http://bit.ly/adeniyiart.

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What: Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum

Where: 1440 Monument Ave.

Winter hours: Tuesdays through Fridays from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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